Doupský a Bažantka

Doupský a Bažantka is a nature reserve near the village of Doupě in the Jihlava district, on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, sitting at an elevation of 593–598 metres above sea level. Covering 11.18 hectares, it brings together two distinct but neighbouring habitats: a transitional peatland and a foothill fishpond surrounded by aquatic and wetland vegetation.

What makes up the reserve?

The protected area consists of two parts. The first is a fragment of transitional peatland on the right bank of the Třešťský stream, roughly 700 metres west of Doupě village. The second is Doupský rybník (Doupský Pond), located on the western edge of the village. This pairing of a peatland fragment with a fully developed pond ecosystem within such a small area is what gives the site its particular ecological value — it's uncommon to find both habitat types combined so closely together.

Why is the site protected?

The reserve was established primarily to protect valuable plant communities typical of valley and transitional peatlands, which serve as habitat for numerous endangered plant and animal species. Equally important are the preserved aquatic and wetland communities of the foothill pond, home to the critically endangered small water lily (Nuphar pumila) — a rare aquatic plant that gives the reserve significance well beyond the regional level.

A peatland legacy

The area around Doupě was once part of one of the largest and most significant peatland complexes at mid-elevations found anywhere in the Czech Republic, excluding the mountain ranges along the country's borders. Numerous valuable relict species and plant communities have survived here since the Ice Age, persisting in these specific conditions long after the broader climate warmed. This deep ecological history is a key reason for the reserve's present-day biodiversity.

Protection status

Doupský a Bažantka holds the status of a national nature reserve and is also designated as a Site of Community Importance under the Natura 2000 network, underlining its relevance to European-wide nature conservation. The site is administered by the Regional Authority of the Vysočina Region (Krajský úřad Kraje Vysočina).

Getting there and visiting tips

The reserve sits in a quiet, rural corner of the Jihlava district, away from major towns and heavily trodden tourist routes, which has helped preserve its natural character. Because peatland and pond ecosystems are highly sensitive to disturbance, visitors should stick to marked paths and observe the area from a respectful distance — peatlands in particular are easily damaged and can take decades to recover from mechanical disruption.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Doupský a Bažantka reserve located? It lies in the Jihlava district on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, near the village of Doupě, at an elevation of 593–598 metres above sea level.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 11.18 hectares.

What is the site's most notable natural feature? The combination of a transitional peatland and a foothill pond hosting the critically endangered small water lily (Nuphar pumila).

Does the reserve have international significance? Yes — besides its status as a national nature reserve, the site is also recognised as a Site of Community Importance within the Natura 2000 network.